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Chapter 3
PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
SECTION 301 – ADMINISTRATION
301.1.4.2  Replace item 2 as follow:
301.1.4.2  Compliance with reduced International Building Code-level seismic forces.
   2.   Except where these requirements are triggered by Section 403.12, structures or portions of structures that comply with the requirements of the applicable chapter in Appendix A as specified in Items 2.1 through 2.5 and subject to the limitations of the respective Appendix A chapters shall be deemed to comply with this section.
301.2  Add the following section:
301.2  Minimum Lateral Force for Existing Buildings.
301.2.1  General.  This section is applicable to existing buildings when invoked by SFEBC Section 403. This section may be used as a standard for voluntary upgrades.
   An existing building or structure which has been brought into compliance with the lateral force resistance requirements of the San Francisco Building Code in effect on or after the dates shown in Table 301.2.1, shall be deemed to comply with this section except when a vertical extension or other alterations are to be made which would increase the mass or reduce the seismic resistance capacity of the building or structure. Where multiple building types apply, the later applicable date shall be used. Where none of the building types apply, compliance shall be at the discretion of the Director. Building type definitions are given in ASCE 41-13, Table 3-1.
   TABLE 301.2.1 – DATES REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE BUILDING COMPLIANCE
Building Type
Date of Compliance
Model Code (for reference)
Wood Frame, wood shear panels (Types W1 & W2)
1/1/1984
UBC 1976
Wood Frame, wood shear panels (Type W1A)
7/1/1999
UBC 1997
   Floor areas greater than 3,000 ft2 per level
 
 
Steel moment-resisting frame (Types S1 & S1a)
12/28/1995
UBC 1994
Steel concentrically braced frame (Types S2 & S2a)
7/1/1999
UBC 1997
Steel eccentrically braced frame (Types S2 & S2a)
1/1/1990
UBC 1988
Buckling-restrained braced frame (Types S2 &S2a)
1/1/2008
IBC 2006
Light metal frame (Type S3)
1/1/2008
IBC 2006
Steel frame w/ concrete shear walls (Type S4)
12/28/1995
UBC 1994
Steel plate shear wall (Type S6)
1/1/2008
IBC 2006
Reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame (Type C1)
12/28/1995
UBC 1994
Reinforced concrete shear walls (Types C2 & C2a)
12/28/1995
UBC 1994
Tilt-up concrete (Types PC1 & PC1a)
7/1/1999
UBC 1997
Precast concrete frame (Types PC2 & PC2a)
1/1/2008
IBC 2006
Reinforced masonry (Type RM1)
7/1/1999
UBC 1997
   Flexible diaphragms
 
 
Reinforced masonry (Type RM2)
12/28/1995
UBC 1994
   Stiff diaphragms
 
 
Seismic isolation or passive dissipation
7/1/1992
UBC 1991
 
301.2.2  Wind forces.  Buildings and structures shall be capable of resisting wind forces as prescribed in San Francisco Building Code Section 1609.
301.2.3  Seismic forces.  Buildings and structures shall comply with the reduced International Building Code-level seismic forces, as defined in Section 301.1.4.2. The building separation limitations of Section ASCE 7-10 Section 12.12.3 need not be considered.
   When upper floors are exempted from compliance by Section 403.12.2, the lateral forces generated by their masses shall be included in the analysis and design of the lateral force resisting systems for the strengthened floor. Such forces may be applied to the floor level immediately above the topmost strengthened floor and distributed in that floor in a manner consistent with the construction and layout of the exempted floor.
SECTION 314 – EXISTING HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS [SFM]
314.27  Replace this section with the following sections:
314.27  Automatic Sprinkler System – Existing High-rise Buildings
314.27.1  General.  Regardless of any other provisions of this code, every existing high-rise building as defined in San Francisco Building Code Section 403.1.1 shall be provided with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13.
   Existing high-rise buildings that are also qualified historical buildings as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18950 shall be provided with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system when and as required by the State Historical Building Code.
   EXCEPTIONS:
      1.   An apartment house, condominium or other building used as a Group R, Division 2 Occupancy as defined in this code excluding tourist hotels as defined in Section of the San Francisco Administrative Code.
      2.   A mixed-use occupancy building containing a Group R, Division 1 or Group R, Division 2 Occupancy.
(Amended by Ord. 65-19, File No. 190136, App. 4/12/2019, Eff. 5/13/2019)
314.27.2  Additional.  The following additional requirements shall also apply:
314.27.2.1  Valves and devices.  A sprinkler control valve and a waterflow detecting device shall be provided at the lateral connection to the riser for each floor.
314.27.2.2  Signals.  A separate and distinct supervisory signal shall be provided to indicate a condition that will impair the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler system. This shall include, but not be limited to, monitoring control valves, fire pump power supplies and pump running conditions. Such supervisory signals shall be annunciated at a constantly attended building security control center; when that location is not under constant supervision by qualified personnel, the signals shall be transmitted to a remote monitoring station in accordance with NFPA 72.
314.27.2.3  Water supply.  The minimum water supply requirement for the sprinkler shall be determined without regard to inside hose stream demand.
314.27.2.4  Standpipe conversion.  Existing standpipes may be converted to sprinkler risers, provided that they are hydrostatically tested for two hours at not less than 50 psi (345 Pa) in excess of the maximum pressure to be maintained in the system.
314.27.2.5  Supports.  Additional hangers, braces or other attachments for support of existing standpipes which have been converted in accordance with Section 314.27.2.4 shall be provided if they are necessary to meet the requirements of NFPA 13. The installation of additional flexible fittings in such risers is not required.
314.27.2.6  Pipe material.  Any type pipe which has been listed by an approved testing agency for use in automatic sprinkler installations may be used when installed in accordance with its listing limitations.
314.27.3  Permissible omissions.  The following features required in new high-rise buildings are not required in systems installed under the provisions of this section:
   1.   Redundant fire pump;
   2.   Secondary on-site supply of water;
   3.   More than one fire department connection;
   4.   Connection of the system to two risers on each floor. Hydraulic calculations may consider all risers in service;
   5.   In a Group R, Division 1 or R-2 Occupancy building, sprinklers in bathrooms and closets.
   See San Francisco Building Code Section 903.3.1.1.1 for additional permissible sprinkler omissions.
314.27.4  Effective date.  The effective date of these requirements shall be January 01, 2008.
314.27.5  Notification.  Not later than 60 days following the effective date of this ordinance, the Building Official shall notify in writing by certified mail the owner of each building within the scope of this section. The notice shall contain a copy of this section, a commentary on it and a notice of intent form. The notice of intent shall be designed to elicit information regarding proposed water supply connections, pumps, risers and existing partial sprinkler systems. The notice of intent shall include a tentative schedule for phasing the installation of the complete sprinkler system.
314.27.5.1  Deferred notice.  If a building within the scope of this section is not discovered by the Building Official until after the deadline for notification, the building owner shall be notified within 30 days of such discovery.
   Failure to receive notification does not exempt a building owner from compliance with this section.
314.27.6  Authority of Building Official.  The Building Official, in consultation with the San Francisco Fire Marshal, may approve modifications and alternate methods and materials when it is clearly evident that a reasonable degree of fire safety is provided. In such cases, the Building Official may:
   1.   Consider alternative protection based on nationally recognized standards, principles and tests, and generally recognized and well-established methods of fire protection;
   2.   Waive specific individual requirements if it can be shown that such requirements are not physically possible, require disproportionate effort or pose an undue hardship with little increase in life safety and that a practical alternate cannot be provided; and
   3.   Grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the specific time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance may be approved by the Building Official based on the showing of good cause and on approval of an acceptable, systematic, progressive plan of correction.
314.27.7  Appeal of high-rise sprinkler requirements.  Application may be made to the Board of Examiners in accordance with San Francisco Building Code Section 105A.1 for approval of alternate methods, materials or types of construction or for variances from the provisions of this section.
314.27.8  Implementation.  The requirements stated in Section 314.27.2 shall be accomplished by the following steps. Failure to complete any step within the required time frame is a violation of this code, and the Building Official shall have the power to abate the building in accordance with San Francisco Building Code Section 102A.
314.27.8.1  Step 1. Notice of intent.  The owner shall submit a properly completed Department-provided notice of intent to the Building Official not later than three years after the effective date of this requirement.
   EXCEPTION: No notice of intent is required if an approved sprinkler system is completed prior to the deadline above.
314.27.8.2  Step 2. Water supply.  The owner shall install the system riser, including floor-control valves, and shall connect it to the approved automatic water supply not later than five years after the effective date of this ordinance. For purposes of this section, an automatic water supply shall consist of a connection to the public water works system and, if required by hydraulic analysis, installation of a fire pump.
314.27.8.3  Step 3. Piping and sprinklers.  The owner shall complete the sprinkler system, including required electrical monitoring, not later than 12 years after the effective date of this ordinance.
314.27.8.4  Installation.  The installation of all fire alarm equipment shall be in accordance with the San Francisco Electrical Code and the California Fire Code.
SECTION 326 – EXISTING BUILDINGS OR OTHER STRUCTURES LOCATED ON A MILITARY BASE SELECTED FOR CLOSURE
326  Add the following sections:
SECTION 326 – EXISTING BUILDINGS OR OTHER STRUCTURES LOCATED ON A MILITARY BASE SELECTED FOR CLOSURE
326.1  General.  As authorized by Assembly Bill 1644 California Military Base Reuse and Preservation Act of 2012, a building or other structure that is located on a military base selected for closure by action of the federal Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, including Naval Station Treasure Island (including Yerba Buena Island) and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, may comply with the requirements of this code in a graduated manner over a period not to exceed three years, provided that:
   1.   The building or structure is in existence at the time the military base is selected for closure by action of the federal Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission;
   2.   The building or structure will be safe for its intended use and occupancy;
   3.   The building or structure is under a lease from the federal government to either the City and County of San Francisco or the Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco (the “Redevelopment Agency”);
   4.   The building or structure will be subleased by the City and County of San Francisco or Redevelopment Agency to either a private party, to the City and County of San Francisco or to the Redevelopment Agency; and
   5.   The building or structure meets the code compliance inspection and graduated compliance plan requirements set forth below.
(Amended by Ord. 65-19, File No. 190136, App. 4/12/2019, Eff. 5/13/2019)
326.2  Presubleasing Code Compliance Inspections.  Before the City and County of San Francisco or the Redevelopment Agency enters into any sublease of a building or structure, the public entity proposing to enter into the sublease shall request the Building Official and the San Francisco Fire Marshal (the “Fire Marshal”) to inspect, or cause to be inspected, the building or structure for compliance with applicable codes, in accordance with the provisions of this Section 326. The Building Official and the Fire Marshal shall issue a written report containing their findings on the compliance of the building or structure to the agency proposing to enter into the sublease. The Building Official and the Fire Marshal may, in their discretion, issue the compliance report jointly or separately.
326.2.1  Applicable codes.  The Building Official and the Fire Marshal shall evaluate the building or structure, including any alterations or changes in use if known, using the codes in effect at the time of original construction. If a determination of what codes were in effect at the time of original construction cannot be made, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal shall jointly determine which codes are appropriate for evaluation of the building or structure for the purposes herein.
326.2.2  Notice to proposed subtenants.  The Redevelopment Agency or the City and County of San Francisco agency proposing to enter into a sublease shall notify the proposed subtenant of the final compliance inspection reports for such building or structure by (a) attaching a copy of the final reports of the Building Official and Fire Marshal to the sublease; or (b) providing a copy of such reports to the subtenant and referencing such delivery in the sublease.
326.3  Graduated Code Compliance Plan and Timetable.
326.3.1  Buildings with no change in occupancy or use and no anticipated alterations.
326.3.1.1  Complying building or structure.  If, after performing the inspections required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal concur that the building or structure complies with the applicable codes and will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation based on its intended use and occupancy, the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, will issue a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy.
326.3.1.2  Remedial work required.  If, after performing the inspection required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal determine that remedial work is required so that the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation, such work must be performed pursuant to building permits issued by the Department. All such remedial work shall either comply with current codes or be approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety. The Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, shall determine that the building or structure is safe for occupancy as evidenced by the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy. Such issuance shall not be a precondition to the execution of leases or subleases.
326.3.1.3  Graduated compliance plan.  A graduated plan of compliance with the applicable codes may be approved upon the concurrence of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, provided that:
   1.   The Building Official and the Fire Marshal have issued a written determination that, in their respective opinions, the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation. This determination may, in the discretion of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, be issued jointly or separately;
   2.   The time for full compliance with the applicable codes does not exceed a period of three years from the date that the City and County of San Francisco or the Redevelopment Agency enters into a sublease;
   3.   All required remedial work either complies with current codes or is approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety; and
   4.   A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, setting forth the approved graduated compliance plan and a timetable for full compliance with the applicable codes. The compliance plan may be amended only with the joint approval of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal. In no event may the time allowed for full code compliance extend beyond the three-year period.
326.3.2  Buildings with no change in occupancy or use but with planned alterations.
326.3.2.1  Complying building or structure.  If, after performing the inspection required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal concur that the building or structure meets current requirements for the new occupancy and will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation based on its intended use and occupancy, the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, shall cause a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy to be issued.
326.3.2.2  Remedial work required.  If, after performing the inspection required by 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal determine that remedial work is required so that the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation, such work must be done in conjunction with any planned alterations. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy shall be issued by the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal. Such issuance shall not be a precondition to the execution of leases or subleases.
326.3.2.3  Graduated compliance plan.  A graduated plan for compliance with the applicable codes may be approved with the concurrence of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, provided that:
   1.   The Building Official and the Fire Marshal have issued a written determination that, in their respective opinions, the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation. This determination may, in the discretion of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, be issued jointly or separately;
   2.   The time for full compliance with the applicable codes does not exceed a period of three years from the date that the City and County of San Francisco or Redevelopment Agency enters into a sublease;
   3.   All new work either complies with current codes or is approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety; and
   4.   A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy setting forth the approved graduated compliance plan with a timetable for full compliance with the applicable codes is issued by the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal. The compliance plan and timetable may be amended only with the joint approval of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal. In no event may the time allowed for full code compliance extend beyond the three-year period.
326.3.3  Building with a change in occupancy or use but no anticipated alterations.
326.3.3.1  Complying building or structure.  If, after performing the inspection required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal concur that the building or structure meets current requirements for the new occupancy and will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation based on its intended use and occupancy, the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, shall cause a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy to be issued.
326.3.3.2  Remedial work required.  If, after performing the inspection required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal determine that remedial work is required so that the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation, such work must be performed pursuant to building permits issued by the Department. All remedial work shall either comply with current codes or be approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety. The building or structure may not be occupied until the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, has caused the issuance of a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy.
326.3.3.3  Graduated compliance plan.  A graduated plan of compliance with the applicable codes may be approved with the concurrence of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, provided that:
   1.   The Building Official and the Fire Marshal have issued a written determination that, in their respective opinions, the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation. This determination may, in the discretion of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, be issued jointly or separately;
   2.   The time for full compliance with the applicable codes does not exceed a period of three years from the date that the City and County of San Francisco or the Redevelopment Agency enters into a lease;
   3.   All required remedial work either complies with current codes or is approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety; and
   4.   A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, setting forth the approved graduated compliance plan and a timetable for full compliance with the applicable codes. The compliance plan and timetable may be amended only with the joint approval of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal. In no event may the time allowed for full code compliance extend beyond the three- year period.
326.3.4  Buildings with a change in occupancy or use and with planned alterations.
326.3.4.1  Complying building or structure.  If, after performing the inspection required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal concur that the building or structure meets current requirements for the new occupancy and will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation based on its intended use and occupancy, the Building Official shall cause, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, the issuance of a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy upon completion and approval of the planned alteration work.
326.3.4.2  Remedial work required.  If, after performing the inspection required by Section 326.2, the Building Official and the Fire Marshal concur that remedial work is required so that the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation, that work must be done in conjunction with any planned alterations. The building or structure must meet current code requirements for the new occupancy. All remedial work must either comply with current codes or be approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety. The building or structure may not be occupied until the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, has caused a Certificate of Final Completion and Occu- pancy to be issued.
326.3.4.3  Graduated compliance plan.  A graduated plan of compliance with the applicable codes may be approved with the concurrence of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal, provided that:
   1.   The Building Official and the Fire Marshal have issued a written determination that, in their respective opinions, the intended use and occupancy of the building or structure will not be hazardous to life safety, fire safety, health or sanitation. This determination may be issued jointly or separately, in the discretion of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal;
   2.   The time for full compliance with the applicable codes does not exceed a period of three years from the date that the City and County of San Francisco or the Redevelopment Agency enters into a sublease;
   3.   All new work either complies with current codes or is approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal as providing equivalent public safety; and
   4.   A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Official, with the approval of the Fire Marshal, setting forth the approved graduated compliance plan and a timetable for full compliance with the applicable codes. The compliance plan and timetable may be amended only with the joint approval of the Building Official and the Fire Marshal. In no event may the time allowed for full code compliance extend beyond the three-year period.
326.4  Enforcement.
326.4.1  Notices of violation and orders to abate.  The Department and the Fire Department shall provide to the Redevelopment Agency or City and County of San Fran- cisco agency that has entered into a sublease a copy of any notice of violation or order to abate served upon a subtenant. The manner of service shall be as otherwise required by law.
326.4.2  Revocation of certificate of final completion and occupancy.  In the event that the Building Official or Fire Marshal issues an order to abate code violations and the order is not complied with during the time provided therein, the Building Official may, in writing, revoke the Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy.
326.5  Fees.  The Department and the Fire Department may charge the Redevelopment Agency or other appropriate City and County of San Francisco agencies fees for actual time and materials expended in responding to requests for inspection and performing other tasks associated with the graduated compliance plan program. Fees for permits and other services shall be as set forth in the San Francisco Building Code and San Francisco Fire Code.
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